At the reception for the US Deputy Secretary of State, PM Dung spoke highly of positive developments of the Vietnam-US relationship in all fields, ranging from politics, economics, trade, investment, science and technology to education and training, environment, climate change and humanitarian.

The two countries have stepped up cooperation at multilateral forums, helping maintain peace, stability and cooperation in the region and the world, he said.

The Vietnamese Government leader applauded US cooperative efforts within the framework of the Lower Mekong Initiative (LMI) and suggested the US side speed up the implementation of specific Mekong projects.

Regarding bilateral ties, PM Dung said that the two sides should make efforts to boost cooperation in the future, with priority given to trade, investment, science, technology, education and training.

He suggested the US Government soon recognise the market economy status of Vietnam and grant the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) to the country.

Deputy Secretary of State William Burns affirmed that the US attaches importance to its relations with Vietnam and wants to promote the multifaceted cooperation with the Southeast Asian nation towards the building of a strategic partnership between the two countries.

The US will boost cooperation in climate change adaptability, prevention of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and maritime security as well as in other regional and global issues of common concern, he said.

He affirmed that the US side is ready to negotiate with Vietnam on nuclear energy.

While meeting with Mongolian National Security Council (MNSC) Secretary Tsagaandari Enkhutuvshin, PM Dung said that Vietnam always wants to develop bilateral cooperation more practically and effectively with Mongolia .

He expressed his wish that the MNSC will continue its close cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in preventing transnational, drug and high-tech crimes, making an active contribution to the two countries’ relations.

The Mongolian guest said that his country always wants to develop cooperation with Vietnam in all aspects.

He promised to do his utmost to effectively coordinate with the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security in fighting transnational crimes, drug traffickers and terrorists.

Earlier, US Deputy Secretary of State William Burns paid a courtesy visit to Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, discussing measures to foster bilateral ties as well as regional and global issues of common concern.

The US official also met with Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Minister of National Defence and Lieut. Gen. To Lam, Deputy Minister of Public Security./.